A faulty stop light switch may prevent the brake lights from illuminating when the brake pedal is depressed or may prevent deactivation of the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash.

In addition, Kia reported, the problem may affect the push-button start feature and affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the park position.

Repairs of the affected vehicles will be free of charge, the companies said.

Hyundai, together with its smaller affiliate Kia, is the world's fifth-largest automaker.